Babies grow up so fast, that before you realise they start showing interest towards your own plate.
Its actually a sign that your baby is ready for weaning foods like potato puree. Breast milk or infant formula is the only thing your baby needs until six months not even water!
The American academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months by birth. By by ages 4- 6 months, most babies are ready to begin solid foods as a complement to breast feeding.
…..
1. Other Signs To Know That Your Baby Is Ready For Solid Foods
- Can your baby hold his head steadily in upright position?
- Can your baby sit with support?
- Is your baby mouthing his hands or toys?
- Is your baby showing a desire for food by leaning forward and opening his or her mouth?
…..
2. Start Simple-Always
Choose single ingredient foods with no sugar or no salt. Wait three to five days between each new food to see if your baby develops any allergic reaction such as diarroea, rash and vomiting.
…..
3. Potatoes
- They are edible tubers rich in nutrients, available worldwide and all year long. Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes, in South America upto 10,000 years ago.
- Spanish explorers introduced them to Europe in the early 16th century.They are vegetables that contains more amount of starch which are more than rice, pasta and breads in terms of nutrition.
- They don’t store very well after purchase but relatively grow well. China is the leading producer of potatoes.
…..
4. Nutritional Value Of Potatoes
Potassium – The predominant mineral found in potatoes is concentrated in the skin and may benefit heart health.
Carbohydrates – They are a great source of carbohydrates mainly in the form of starch. Potatoes are usually high glycemic index which makes very unsuitable for diabetic children.
Lutein – found in potatoes with yellow flesh, lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant thay may boost eye health.
Chlorogenic acid- This is main polyphenol in potatoes.It slightly reduces blood pressure and has been investigated for possible anti-inflammatory affects.
…..
5. Health Benefits Of Potatoes
Calms Your Baby Down
According to the book “Healing foods” Potatoes especially it’s white flesh is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid with natural sedative properties that helps your nerves calm down. L- tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your body can’t make naturally.
Improve Brain Health
The alpha lipoic acid, a coenzyme present in potatoes can help boost overall cognitive health. Vitamins and minerals like zinc, phosphorus and b complex positively affects the brain.
Helps Promote Digestion
The high fibre content of potatoes aids digestion. Fiber supports digestion and promotes bowel regularity by adding bulk to stool.
They are help to balance the loss of electrolytes like potassium during diarrhoea. They also aids digestion. Millets are also a great choice for babies!
Good For Bones
Being rich in potassium and calcium, potatoes help to strengthen bones. The iron, calcium, magnesium, Phosphorus and Zinc contribute to the building and bone maintenance and strength.
Good For Your Baby’s Skin
Potatoes have starch, vitamin C and various enzymes that can protect and nourish your baby’s skin.
Develops Gastrointestinal Health
The substance shall amount of alkaline sugar present in potatoes always keep your babies acid level down and this doesn’t develop any discomfort. They assist in the growth of friendly bacteria that improves your gut health.
…..
6. How To Select Potatoes?
It’s always the best to buy organic vegetables than pesticide used vegetables thay may harm your baby’s body. The potatoes should be medium sized and have firm and smooth skin.
Avoid picking potatoes with spots, holes as they may be contaminated. Avoid Potatoes being sprouted which means they are old.The deeper the colour of potatoes,the richer it’s antioxidants.
…..
7. Simple Potato Recipe
Potato puree is the most popular and first food for babies.It has a good consistency.
They have least allergic properties and easily to swallow for your baby. Please don’t forget the three day rule before introducing any food to your baby. Potato puree contains more than 88 calories.
…..
Potato Puree
Ingredients:
1 medium sized potato
Breastmilk
Method:
- Sterilize all the utensils needed for making puree by leaving them in hot water for a while.
- Wash the potato in water and peel the skin.
- Chop the potato in small pieces.
- Place the potato pieces in a small bowl with cooker partially filled with water.
- Allow one or two whistles.
- Turn off the flame.
- Let them cool down.
- Mash them using a mixer or using a thick spoon.
- Add breast milk.
- Serve your baby! You can also add any other veggies like Spinach. Check out the best healthy puree recipes!
…..
Word of Caution
If your baby is allergic to potato then stop giving it and consult your doctor immediately.
…..
Reference Links: